Change of Heart - 9. Chapter 9

Ilya made it clear that what he was going to do with Paul and Jeff was to familiarize them with; loading, drawing, firing and cleaning their weapons. He was not preparing them to become spies, assassins or “American cowboy gunfighters”. They would “after much more hours of instruction” be better prepared to counter the threat. “What you will be is better prepared to survive an encounter with an adversary who wants to take your life. We do not know who this killer is. We don't know when or where he will make his next attempt. We do know that he is most assuredly an amateur. He may have killed in the past, but it is not likely. While we don't know his motivations, we know he is serious and poses a real threat to you, Paul. So, both of you, when you think to hesitate to take his life consider that he is already tried to take your life and the lives of people you love.”

He was impressed with Jeff's choice of sidearm. He encouraged him to carry the 40 caliber compact version for it's greater stopping power. He also insisted on providing Jeff with a Seecamp just like Paul’s. He outfitted Paul with an inside of the waistband holster. As he did so he snugged it so it was positioned just behind Paul's right side. In his opinion, it was the position least likely to “print” or show the outline of a gun. He then moved Jeff’s to a similar position. He then pointed out that Paul's ass, with the wallet holster, looked like he was carrying a normal wallet. Jeff was not pleased when Ilya patted Paul's ass a couple of times to make his point. Jeff frowned, Ilya smirked, and Paul blushed.

Jeff, was not at all happy with Ilya’s having casually touched his partner’s ass, he asked, “Exactly what gun do you carry?”

Ilya opened his black leather sports coat to reveal an inside the waistband holster housing a gun identical to Paul's Chiappa 40 caliber Rhino revolver. He then reached into his right hip pocket and withdrew a Seecamp LWS 380 housed in a holster made to look like a wallet, again identical to Paul's. Turning down range with a fluidity belied by his robust size, Ilya proceeded to put seven bullets into the head of the paper target, seemingly while still in motion. While both Paul and Jeff gawped at the obvious skill their instructor had displayed, Ilya simply offered a modest shrug. Reholstering the Seecamp, in a flash he drew the Chiappa and fired six rounds into that same head. Before Paul and Jeff could remark on the speed and accuracy they had just witnessed, Ilya pulled a Sig Sauer P320 and fired ten rounds of 40 caliber, obliterating the target’s head. Returning it to the shoulder holster he explained, “You will not be an expert. You will not be a professional marksman’ a spy or a trained assassin. You will simply be better prepared.”

Then, as if his remarkable display had been an everyday occurrence he reholstered the Sig and encouraged, “The noise, fear, and adrenaline all add to the chaos of war. Every man truly knows fear when he faces death. It is simple to stand and put rounds into a paper target. Squeezing the trigger when you face a man takes more opredeleniye… more determination and a desire to survive the attack.”

“Try to always keep track of the rounds you’ve fired. You can never know how many rounds your adversary has left. You must learn to make every round count and count every round. I have 5 rounds left in semi-automatic. It will be the last weapon I will reload. It is small things like this that will allow you to go home to your loved ones instead of last ride to morgue."

For the next several hours Paul and Jeff were subjected to a crash course on surviving a gunfight. Ilya was convinced that Paul's old Glock was not the kind of gun he should bet his life on. While no gun was absolutely fail-safe, a revolver was more reliable than a semi-automatic. A new, mechanically well-adjusted semi-automatic was far superior to one that had “belonged maybe to your grandfather”. Paul was irritated that his pistol had been dismissed in such an offhand manner. True, he had bought it used and it did jam once or twice before he could empty the magazine. But still, it was his and that counted for something.

They had drawn and fired from various positions and distances. He impressed upon them that they had to be prepared for any contingency. Pistols were standoff weapons but they should be prepared to fire, “bad breath close”. He encouraged them to take advantage of their surroundings and to present as small a target as possible. While many rounds today were armor piercing many more were not. That being said, “only a fool would stand behind an opened automobile door and exchange gunfire unless armor plating was involved”.

After a few hours, Paul noticed his hand was a little sore just from recoil. Fortunately, the big Russian had demonstrated the proper grips to avoid injury. Ilya finally decided they had learned all they could in one lesson. He insisted they make time to shoot with him again the next day.

Back at Joe and Mellie’s, they were greeted by an enthusiastic five-year-old talking about the dinner menu and how much she got to help. Paul grinned as he saw Jeff's subtly defensive posture as Maria greeted him with her usual hug and a sloppy kiss. She gave Paul an equally enthusiastic hello. When he picked her up he was careful to straddle her on his non-gun side.

As he sat her on the floor he saw her suddenly become shy. Her clasped hands with wriggling fingers let Paul know she wasn't sure if a hug was appropriate for her new friend. Ilya must have noticed because he swooped her up in his arms proclaimed, “Soon you will love me like your very own BAH-bushka. My GranMama raised me from a small child just about your age. She protected me and loved me very much. You will see, I do this for you.” Careful not to let her fall he tickled her as she squealed in delight, before setting her back on the floor. Maria moved to her father's side and took his hand even as she smiled warmly at the big Russian.

Paul thought how normal Ilya looked, not at all like a man carrying concealed weapons. He had directed them for the last several hours with an ease that had them follow without question. The man moved with a practiced grace. Paul was convinced, even if he was shoved at an awkward moment he could not be pushed off balance. Paul pitied the fool that chose to push Ilya Orlov.

Maria told them that the men were in Uncle Joe's office and Aunt Mellie was in her room taking a nap. She confessed she had taken a nap also, just not as long as Aunt Mellie.

In the office they found Joe shifting through some invoices while Raymond, looking out the large picture window at the barn and corrals in the distance, spoke quietly into his phone. Paul watched as Ilya approached Raymond and some kind of exchange took place involving eye contact, lifting eyebrows, and slight nods.

Joe had immediately smiled as they entered and put aside his paperwork. Raymond ended his phone call, turned to greet them with a smile and asked, “Well, how did it go? Ilya seems to think you did very well. Do you two feel like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?”

Jeff grinned and offered, “Ilya certainly knows his stuff. I've been shooting and hunting most all my life, as you well know. But, he taught me things I had never even considered. I feel more confident than I did before.” Jeff stepped forward and offered his hand to Ilya in thanks. The big Russian’s bear paw swallowed Jeff's large hand as they exchanged friendly smiles.

Paul grinned as he recalled Jeff's look when Ilya had patted his ass. Looked like all was forgiven, if not forgotten. Paul chuckled, “I don't know about Jeff but I mostly feel like a walking National Guard Armory. Though it did surprise me that, for a moment, a time or two on the ride back, I almost forgot I was carrying.”

Raymond nodded in agreement, “I know what you mean. When I made the decision to carry a concealed weapon it seemed like it took me forever to get used to it. Now, it's just like picking up your keys or cell phone as you get ready for your day.”

Raymond made no move to display a weapon. Paul wondered if that meant he wasn't carrying or that he just didn't think it was necessary to show it.

Raymond shifted his attention to Jeff, " Jeff, Uncle Joe and I have been talking. We agreed, with you coming back here we should move our Dallas office here. Not to the ranch, but here in town. We would, of course, keep the majority of staff in Dallas. But, set up something local. I’d keep my office there and use it as needed. If you agree, I’ll have our people start scouting locations. I’m sure we can find something suitable with an area for a helicopter landing pad, if not adjacent then close by. The local economy being as it is, it would be a shot in the arm for our hometown. What do you think?”

“I think it's a great idea. Most of our business can be handled electronically. But, what about you? You ready to give up big city life, the corporate jet and all. I mean you won't find any Supercharging stations for that Tesla out here in the country. Not only that but remember nightlife out here is relegated to Katydids and crickets chirping and a few redneck bars.”

“Then too consider that once word gets around that Paul and I are a gay couple raising a daughter we won't be the most popular family around. That f, f…” Looking down at Maria Jeff stuttered, “That fat Fire Chief is more indicative of the locals than we’d all like to believe. The majority of folks around here are holy rollers who’d rather spit on a gay man than offer than offer the time of day.”

Paul stepped closer to Jeff to show his unspoken support. Maria watched and listened carefully as Jeff was speaking, turning to her father, she asked, “Are we a family with Mr. Jeff now?”

The room fell silent as each man considered how revealing Jeff's speech had been. Jeff blushed as he realized he had forgotten Maria was even in the room. Paul dropped to his knees and spoke softly to his daughter, “Honey, how would you feel about Mr. Jeff becoming part of our family? It's been just me and you for a long time now. You know I love you more than anything or anyone. If I loved Mr. Jeff too, it wouldn't mean I would love you any less.”

Maria seemed to grasp the seriousness of her Daddy's question. She looked into her father's brown eyes then up into Jeff's bright green eyes. “I know you already love me a who’ bunch. You love Mr. Jeff a who’ bunch too. I like him a lot and I think he likes me a lot and I know he loves you a who’ bunch. Does this mean that Aunt Mellie and Uncle Joe and Uncle Raymond will be my for real Aunts and Uncles?”

Jeff knelt beside his partner and answered for Paul, “Yes Princess, they come as part of my family. If you take me, you get them too.”

Maria put her arms around their necks and pulled them into a group hug. After a moment she pulled back and said, "if we are family, I can't call you Mr. Jeff no more. You can't be Uncle Jeff, cause I got enough of them already…. I know!” As her face lit up. “You’ll be Daddy Jeff.” Having resolved her dilemma, she pulled them into an even more exuberant group hug.

“I better go wake up my for real Aunt Mellie. She needs to know it's not just pretend anymore.” With that, she rushed from the room with both Daddy's calling for her not to run inside the house.

Jeff looked questioningly at Paul to see if he had crossed a line in chastising Maria. Paul smiled broadly, “Welcome to the wonderful world of fatherhood, Daddy Jeff. I don't think she listens to you any better than she listens to me.” Everyone heard Jeff's sigh, it was a mixture of relief and apprehension.

Raymond, with accustomed ease, again took control of the conversation, “Jeff, we all know there are a lot of homophobic bigots and just bigots in general in this town. We have the funds to combat that the way people combat bigotry everywhere, through illumination, education, and example.”

Raymond was interrupted by a loud knock on the front door. Joe smiled at Raymond and said, “Right on time.” Excusing himself he headed for the hallway where he was soon heard greeting guests. He entered the den followed by Daniel Lovan and Bill Jordan. Turning to the group Joe explained having locked the door, "It won't keep our Princess out, but it will slow her down."

Paul couldn't help but see a spark flare-up in Raymond's eyes as he watched the handsome Deputy enter the room. He could feel the sexual tension between the two when they shook hands. Too embarrassed to check, he felt sure there were erections involved. Hell, even his own cock stirred as the level of testosterone rose significantly. Raymond still holding onto Danny’s hand, in that sexy baritone almost whispered, “It's good to see you again Deputy Lovan.”

The Deputy, countered haltingly, “It hasn't been that long. Surely you remember it's Danny. Raymond, I remember you quite clearly. And it's really good to see you again.” Paul searched Jeff's face to see if he knew what was going on between the two handsome men. The curious gaze Jeff displayed answered that question.

Introductions all round were followed by Ilya acting as bartender, providing warming libations on this cold December day.

Seated at the conference table the men took a moment to sip their whisky. Turning to Joe, Danny said, “I’m not sure why you insisted I come by Mr. Adams. But when you asked me to pick up Bill, I figured it had to do with the fire. Like I told your lawyer in town, the Sheriff and the Chief insist there is nothing to investigate. I helped him out as much as I could. He seems like a nice fellow and Bill here was real helpful in getting copies of the Chief’s paperwork. We both agree the fire was set on purpose, but our say so don't count for much. So exactly why are we here?” Danny carefully sipped the smooth, obviously smooth and expensive whisky, waiting for a response.

Joe stared momentarily into the amber liquid in his glass. Meeting Danny’s gaze he started, “We pretty much have a handle on the arson investigation. We got a lab out of Dallas going through everything with a fine tooth comb." Bill nodded approvingly. "We got fingerprints from the can matched to a serial burglar from up in Idaho. He apparently tried to kill a homeowner who caught him in the act. So, that's not the reason you're here.”

Twirling his glass slowly, he finally looked up as if making up his mind about something. “The reason you two men are here tonight is to discuss the future. The future of my family, the future of our town and most importantly to each of you, your individual futures. I’m going to ask each of you to keep what we discuss in this room amongst ourselves.”

Every man nodded his head in agreement. Joe continued, “You may or may not know my nephew Jeff has, with mine and Mellie's heartfelt blessing, professed his love for Paul here, and his lovely little girl Maria. Now Mellie and I already looked upon Paul and Maria as family so Jeff just made it more official. That being said, if that son of a bitch that started that fire, was here in this room, I swear to god, I’d him put down with no more consideration than I'd give a coyote or rattlesnake. We got men trying, right now, to find that bastard and when we do, it won't be one of his better days.” Paul was impressed with the hatred this man expressed toward one who intended to harm his family. Joe had always been, in Paul's eyes, soft-spoken, firm, but fair and not one to anger easily. He was now seeing a different side of the man. He had no doubt Joe meant every word he said.

Joe continued, “The investigation is in professional hands.” He took a moment to nod to Ilya. “I won't tolerate anyone putting my family or anyone else's family in jeopardy through stupidity or deny them justice because of supposed budget constraints.”

“I want to reiterate that what I am about to share will not leave this room.”Making eye contact directly with Danny, Joe said, “Some of what I share may have been obtained through questionable means.” Then shifting eye contact to Bill, he said, “Some of this is very personal and could be career ending.” Then sweeping his gaze around the table, he continued, “Understand if any of this gets out, through some casual slip of the lip to friends or family, I will find out and the consequences will be dire. Do I make myself clear?”

Again acknowledged with nods all around, Joe continued, “I have evidence that Fire Chief Bumpkis falsified and in three cases forged his firefighting credentials.”

Bill interjected, “I knew it! I knew that dumb son of a bitch didn't know shit from shinola about fighting fires.”

Joe waited until Bill regained control of himself. He was more than pleased with the shit eatin’ grin on the firefighter’s face.

Joe allowed himself a self-satisfied smile, “Not only that, but there is also proof that his brother in law, the less than honorable Mayor himself, colluded in the falsification and forgeries in order to secure Bumpkis’ position.”

Joe noted no one seemed surprised at the revelation, "There is also documented evidence that all this was presented to the sheriff. Who, personally, conducted an investigation and declared that there were no grounds for further investigation. That declaration was followed by substantial campaign contributions from the Mayor, Bumpkis, and the preacher at the holy roller church they both attend. We’re still checking out the preacher’s connection.”

“Now for more revelations concerning folks in this room.” Paul watched as Danny visibly gulped. “Bill, I know your oldest boy told you a couple of years ago he was gay. I know that you and your wife stood by him and quit going to church cause of their stand regarding homosexuality. I applaud your obvious love for your son.” Bill remained silent but nodded his head in thanks to Joe.

“Danny, only a very few people in town know you're gay. I personally know because I caught you and Jeff goin' at it a few times here at the ranch.” While Danny blushed fiercely at Joe’s outing him, his mouth dropped open at the knowledge of having been caught having gay sex, even all those years ago, as a teenager. He looked at Jeff only to find he too was in a state of shock.

Paul would have burst out laughing at the two men with gaping maws if he hadn't been too occupied imagining a young Jeff and Danny ‘going at it’. He crossed his legs in an attempt to hide his expanding manhood.

Bill looked as if was seeing Danny for the first time. He was surprised, but he was not repelled. After all, all boys experiment.

Joe carried on as if he hadn't just dropped a bombshell, “I never said anything. It wasn't nothing I hadn't seen before or for that matter, done myself." Everyone seemed to be searching the other faces of the group to gauge their reaction.

Joe rapped his knuckles on the table, “If I could have your attention please!” After a moment everyone regained their composure. “My intention was to establish this as a gay-friendly environment. I think I’ve succeeded. Does anyone disagree?” After looking around the table again, “Seeing there are no negative actions nor comments, let's move on.”

“It seems to me we will, if I have my say, have a vacancy to fill for Fire Chief. Bill, it seems you have excellent qualifications to fill this position. You have stayed in this town out of loyalty to your family when you could have made a much better living somewhere else. I intend to see that you are offered that position. In the past, I have hesitated to apply the potential influence my family could have upon this town. That, is about to change.”

“As to the Mayor, I want to see a more progressive, far-sighted individual lead this town through new growth the likes of which hasn't been seen since the oil boom at the beginning of the twentieth century. I intend to foster that growth by bringing in new jobs. I will consider supporting any man or woman any of you might suggest. I intend to support that candidate with all the means at my disposal.”

“Now for the last vacancy. Danny, I’ve known you and your family since Jeff first brought you to the ranch back when the both of you first started school. You were a good friend to Jeff, a high school football star, a decorated war hero, a well known and well respected, well-educated, law enforcement officer. You have served your time as a Deputy and now, you are the perfect man to serve as County Sheriff. I will back you financially as well as bring in a professional campaign staff to ensure you have the best chance to get elected. I will do this for nothing more than a sincere thank you and nothing less than the promise you serve with as much integrity as you display in your everyday life. You're a good man, Daniel Lovan, and you will be our next Sheriff."

Both Danny and Bill had been gobsmacked by what they had learned. Bill was already mentally polishing up his resume. Danny, on the other hand, was simply overwhelmed by the idea that he could become Sheriff this early in his career. It was his dream that one day, in the far distant future, he would be the Sheriff. It was more than a little daunting to think that dream could, this soon, become a reality.

Raymond had viewed the briefing with full foreknowledge. He had provided the information that had been discussed. He too had known Danny while he was high school. He too had seen Jeff and Danny jerking off together.

It had been Raymond, not Jeff, who gave Danny his first kiss. A kiss that resulted in Danny cumming in his wranglers. But, Raymond had been in law school and Danny a freshman in high school when they shared that first kiss in an empty stall. As much as he wanted more, the age difference had Raymond avoiding future contact with the younger man.

Now. Now, they were both unattached and gay and the age difference did not seem so insurmountable. Raymond thought that maybe he should let Danny know he was interested in more than just another kiss. He stood and moved to stand behind Danny’s chair. Firmly placing his hand on Danny’s shoulder, Raymond asked, “Danny are you ok?” Still in a daze, Danny didn't respond to either Raymond’s voice or touch. Encouraging Danny's hand holding the whisky glass, Raymond said, “Drink up. It’ll settle your nerves.” Somewhere in the back of Danny's mind, he must have heard. He lifted the glass to his lips and drank it all down. Spitting and sputtering, Danny became fully aware of his surroundings. Coughing to clear his burning throat, he felt Raymond, his high school crush, slap him on the back while firmly holding his shoulder with his other hand. Danny tried to stand but Raymond's grip on his shoulder wouldn't allow it. Danny obediently settled back into the chair. Raymond bent over and spoke softly into his ear, “That's a good boy. Relax, you're among friends.” Danny's mouth again gaped open in shock. Not so much because Raymond had forced him to remain seated. It was those same words uttered in that same silky, sexy voice.

As a youth, Danny had for years secretly admired and lusted after Raymond Cargill. He was sure that Raymond was the most handsome cowboy he had ever seen. That particular day they were in the stall together making idle chatter while Raymond replaced some boards. Raymond had caught him staring at his cock that was lying like a snake inside the left leg of his wranglers. Danny's face flushed so hotly he thought his cheeks were on fire. He knew he had been found out. While he and Jeff often jerked off together. He had told no one he preferred boys to girls or rather men to girls. Now Raymond knew. Raymond was backing him into a corner of the stall. Teasing him with dirty, nasty words about what they could do for each other. Danny wasn't sure if he was gonna cum or simply blackout from hyperventilating. When he could back up no further he stood perfectly still. Raymond lifted his chin and pressed his warm full lips to Danny's, saying, “That's a good boy.” Danny had never felt so close to heaven. He moaned as the man slide his tongue into his virgin mouth. Heaven exploded into shooting stars as he sucked on Raymond's tongue. Danny frenetically humped against Raymond. His climax was signaled by his full body shudder and his near collapse into Raymond's arms. The kiss continued even as he felt the warm wetness spreading within his wranglers. His euphoria was cut short by the approach of a cowboy whistling off key. Without a word, he wrestled himself from Raymond's arms and literally ran from the barn. That was the last time he was ever alone with Raymond. The man never spoke to him except in passing. It seemed as though, to Raymond Cargill, Danny Lovan no longer existed.

As time passed, he never focused on what Raymond might have thought of him after that kiss. No, that was just too painful. Instead, for years afterward he would jerk off thinking about the kiss itself and the overwhelming pleasure it had given him. Every kiss he ever shared was compared to and fell short in the comparison. And now, that simple phrase, “That's a good boy.” brought the whole experience back in vivid detail. So vivid in fact he felt sure that if Raymond continued to hold him in his seat he would cum in his pants, just like all those years ago.

With a strength he didn't feel, he stood. Scooting his chair back and forcing Raymond to release his hold and step back, Danny offered a feeble, “Excuse me.” He ignored Raymond and asked Jeff for the nearest restroom. Jeff pointed to an almost invisible door on the far wall.

Once inside Danny locked the door, pulled out his cock and with just three powerful strokes and a stifled groan he ejaculated into the sink. Milking the last of the cum out of his foreskin and cleaning up with toilet paper, he then rinsed the sink clean. Without putting his cock away he rinsed his overheated face with cool water. After drying with a plush hand towel, he pissed, put his cock away and checked his look in the mirror. Figuring he could fake it well enough, he took several deep breaths and rejoined the group. He spent the rest of the meeting dead set on avoiding Raymond, more specifically Raymond's touch.

Avoiding Raymond turned out to be easier than he’d anticipated. While he was in the john jerking off Raymond and the overgrown Russian bartender had left on some urgent business.

Bill confirmed he would get busy with updating his resume and seeking letters of endorsement from prominent state fire officials. Joe asked that he be allowed to review the package before it was submitted, so he could run it by some professional consultants. Bill smiled broadly as he expressed his gratitude for the extra help.

Danny was not as confident as Joe appeared to be about his future. The best he could offer right now was that he would consider the proposal very carefully. Joe seemed pleased offering that Danny had always thought about the consequences of his actions even if it was a prank to be played on Jeff.

The Deputy and the fireman said their goodbyes and headed back to town. Danny wasn't sure if Bill was more excited about the possibility of being Fire Chief or simply getting rid of Bumpkis. For his part, Danny wasn't sure which caused the most anxiety, the thought of running for and being elected Sheriff, the impact Raymond had on him or worse yet the thought that Raymond didn't care whether or not he had an impact on Danny.